Mayor Rick Blangiardi and the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) welcome everyone to celebrate one of the most recognized symbols of aloha during the 97th Lei Day Celebration! Scheduled from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the celebration is held throughout Queen Kapiʻolani Napelakapuokakaʻe’s namesake park on the first of May (regardless of the day of the week, rain or shine). The all-day event features a wide variety of island musical & hula performances, Hawaiian cultural protocol, the world renown Lei Contest, lei-making workshops, artisans and merchants all in a family friendly setting! The Lei Court ‘Ohana reign over the festivities, which begin with a performance from the fabled Royal Hawaiian Band (the only municipal band in the country). Then the court enters the parks bandstand, greeted with hula and giving of ho‘okupu (gifts), during the Lei Court Ceremony. Once the ceremony is complete, the court inspects and officially opens the Lei Contest for public viewing. The coveted Lei Contest Exhibit showcases some of the world’s most exquisite handcrafted lei in a variety of materials, colors, and styles. The public viewing of these lei lasts throughout the rest of the celebration.

For more information, visit the celebrations dedicated website at: bit.ly/HonoluluLeiDay